2020 is a Gift
As the holiday season approaches, I can’t help but think about all the gifts 2020 has brought. That’s right, gifts. And not in a no pain, no gain kind of way (although that would be an interesting debate). Yes, we’re all grieving, some more than others. And with grief comes those five familiar stages: anger, denial, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. What’s helped me tremendously over the last 8 months is what David Kessler calls the 6th stage of grief: finding meaning.
I am not insinuating there is a reason why COVID-19 struck, just as I would never advise telling anyone experiencing pain that “everything happens for a reason.” The point is it’s here. The entire world is raining lemons. What type of lemonade are you making?
My lemonade stand has a few varieties:
Finding my purpose: An interesting blend of two Coaching Certification Programs with a career shift twist.
I made a transition from advertising into HR about 5 years ago. It was a step in the right direction, and now I’m focusing on where my passion truly lies - helping people reach their full potential.
Yes AND: A twist on an old favorite. It starts with acknowledging the why(s), followed by accepting the feeling of discomfort, finished with a beautiful head first dive in.
YES I’ll write a LinkedIn article to offer a perspective and give my profile visibility. YES, I accept that not everyone will resonate with my message. AND, I’m going to commit to posting 1 article per month (did I say that out loud?!).
· 3:1 perspective: 3 parts positive to 1 part negative
For every negative thought I have I combat it with 3 positives. For example, I lost my mother very suddenly at the beginning of quarantine. 1. I was blessed with 38 glorious years with the best mom on earth 2. I am creating a new special bond with my awesome dad 3. I finally learned how to make my mom’s pie crust (and it came out pretty good!).
Believe it or not, when I’m on the verge of tears, which can be often, this 3:1 approach really does make a difference. Give it a try!
As time goes on and I continue to reflect, I am confident my list will grow. Hindsight is 2020, right??
So as you begin to wrap gifts this holiday season, think about opening up the gift of 2020. Aside from a pallet of toilet paper, endless hand sanitizer, and a real hug, what else is inside? If you get stuck on the negatives, remember the 3:1 perspective. Good or bad, there really is a gift and opportunity for everything in life.
#PositiveIntelligence #positivity #brightside
